SoCal to Texas via Valkyrie

Just completed a trip from Southern Calif. to San Antonio, TX and back this past week April 21-26, '99) on my '99 Tourer (Black & Silver). 2,800 miles which includes some playing in and around San Antonio. So here's how I see it: gas is not a major factor. The tank is big enough not to worry about running out, long as you pay attention. There are service stations no  further apart then 100 miles, if that. So don't worry about running out. As I said, just pay attention to your odometer (you do resent it each time you gas up don't you?).

Main tank, on the average, is good for about 120 miles, give or take 15 miles. Know that you're only good for approx. 30 miles when you go on reserve. Mileage sucks at 75 to 90 mph. Oh well, you play, you pay. Gas is cheaper anywhere in the United States the further east you get from California.....

Ran into every type of weather known except for snow. Side winds are not a major factor on the Valk in comparison to a Gold Wing. The Valk is very steady in winds from all directions. Wind Wings are a must. Bottom & top portion in when cold. During hot days bottom is out just a tad to bring cool air in and top stays in. Gawd, guess I should draw pictures, hard to explain....

Throttle lock is a necessary evil, works great (Vista Cruise). J&M CB/FM/WX worked great, but only on higher channels (sending it in for adjustments). I have the J&M headset mounted in my Shoei (from my Wing days). Backrest off sissy bar, backseat off, rack in it's place. Mount T-Bag in front of sissy bar. Backrest (Utopia) mandatory for old guys (me). This setup is only necessary for traveling and being one-up. Corbin Gunfighter seat went back on soon as I got home. Piggies cut off with Cobra extensions do not cause a requirement for ear plugs. Oh sure, your ears will "ring" for a  couple of days but not to worry, it goes away...

Rain protection from the stock windshield and the Wind Wings was very good. Only my knees got a little wet. Course the full rainsuit helped cure that problem as soon as I got it on. Wear a full-face helmet (Shoei 700) and buy both the dark shield and the clear one. IMHO, the only way to travel. Bike never missed a beat, much more fun then my '97 SE Wing I traded in. Texas gas sucks. Don't know what it is about their gas but one time I got 100 miles on the main tank before I had to switch over to the reserve. When the gas starts running out of the main tank the engine will feel like it's only running on 5 cylinders, then 4, then 3, etc. Any questions you have I'll be glad to answer (RAHill@Linkline.com).

Fun trip but there is nothing between here and San Antonio on, Hwy 10. Nothing...........

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Tony

Robert (Tony) A. Hill
Apple Valley, California
'99 Valkyrie Tourer (Silver & Black)   back